Hong Kong discovers the first dinosaur fossil in a historic geological find
For the first time in history, researchers from Hong Kong have discovered dinosaur fossils on their territory. The historic discovery was announced on Wednesday and marked a pivotal moment in the paleontological studies of the region. Initial research showed that the fossil, a weathered bone fragment, dates from the Cretaceous period, about 145 to 66 million years ago. Although the specific species remains undetermined, this discovery opens new avenues for research within the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark on Port Island.
The fossil discovery on Port Island
Experts discovers the fossil resides in fragmented and weathered states on Port Island, a remote location within Hong Kong’s UNESCO-protected geopark. Government officials said the bone fragments appeared to have been covered by sediments over time and may have been unearthed by natural flooding. In an area where previous discoveries include ancient marine life such as ostracods and ammonites dating back hundreds of millions of years, the dinosaur fossil marks an extraordinary first for Hong Kong.
Historical context and expert insights
Michael Pittman, an assistant professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, expressed his excitement about the unprecedented discovery. After conducting fieldwork on Port Island himself, Pittman noted the challenge of locating dinosaur remains due to the precise age and environmental conditions required for fossil preservation. Although he did not personally examine the fossils, Pittman stated that the find could be part of a larger skeletal structure, potentially stretching several meters in length.
Joint research and upcoming public display
When the Hong Kong government discovered sedimentary formations on Port Island in March that contained potential vertebrate fossils, the Hong Kong government brought in researchers from mainland China for further analysis. Officials have since closed the site to allow further excavations and research. The fossil will go on public display at the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Center from Friday. By the end of the year, visitors will also have access to a temporary exhibition space where they can observe the painstaking process of fossil preparation.
